Sealant between bedsides and wheeltubs?

[jayoldschool]

Just about to go out and finish up my bed. Have to bolt in the wheel tubs. Do I just bolt them to the bedsides, or do I need to run a bead of sealant around the perimeter?

[oem4me]

At the factory a healthy bead of non-hardening sealant/putty was applied before bolting the tubs in place. I'd do something similar to keep dirt and mud out of that tight space, or risk decay.

[jayoldschool]

Thanks, I've got the perfect stuff.

[VonDog]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

Thanks, I've got the perfect stuff.

And what might that "perfect" stuff be???

[jayoldschool]

Exterior grade silicone. Paintable, holds up very well. I use it to seal floor patches/holes.

I asked the original question because I noticed bits of dried/cracked original sealer on the bed side between the bolt holes.

One step closer! Might be driving next weekend.

[BigSix]

Be careful. Silicone and steel create an acid that promotes rusting. Use seam sealer.

[jayoldschool]

Are you sure? This is what I use:

http://www.caulkyourhome.com/ge-sili...-and-metal.php

TYPICAL USES: Steel sheds, metal roofs, trailers, recreational vehicles, gutters, and other metal surfaces

That's a lot of steel...

[BigSix]

I am pretty sure but you can confirm. Just google silicone steel rust. A couple people have warned me against it and said to only use auto seam sealer. Other than that I can't say for sure if I would do it or not.

[chevyrestoguy]

I agree with BigSix, use seam sealer. Besides a longer lifespan, one of the other things I like about seam sealer versus any silicone product is the work-life and well it lays down. After you inject it into the seam, use your finger shape it and pack it in the gap, then use a wet rag to do a final pass and wipe up the excess. I have found that with silicone-based products, you get about two minutes of shaping and cleaning before it starts to "skin", and after that, you're making a mess and ruining the look.

If you're concerned about the main interface between the bedside and the wheel tub (in between the bolts on the tub flange), then get some rope caulk from Lowes or Home Depot and attach it to the tub before you bolt it on. Do a full run, even over the bolt holes. Once you get the tub in place, trim the caulk in the bolt holes with an Exacto. Bolt the tubs in, and then seam seal the exposed gap from the top.